A bird resides in a cage. In “Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou, the bird is restricted from any sort of freedom and its legs are tied to restrict its movements. However, the caged bird relentlessly continues its song of freedom. The obvious joy that the free bird feels in flying through the sky is clearly demonstrated. In this case, this idea of ​​freedom represents Angelou. In a society where African Americans are not treated as equals, where individuality and self-expression are reserved for the upper classes, where making ends meet systematically excludes disadvantaged minorities, Angelou highlights the "flight" of the reality where the bird can fly even when the world feels like it is falling apart. Angelou is a good example of perseverance and resilience, which she alludes to in “Still I Rise.” It reveals the importance of overcoming challenges and demonstrating willpower against all odds. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay In “Still I Rise,” Angelou discusses the importance of overcoming challenges and clinging to hope that she can one day overcome injustice and prejudice. She also explores the empowerment in which she must trust herself to propel herself through life. From the perspective of the oppressed, Angelou aims to fight the oppressor by reiterating the theme of individuality and empowerment. In stanza 6, Angelou writes: “you can shoot me with your words/You can cut me with your eyes/You can kill me with your hatred/But still, like air, I will rise” (Angelou) . Angelou has thick skin and evokes such emotion through her writing. His resilient behavior is revealed through his choice of diction. She describes the effect of eyes passing through her like paper painting an unpleasant picture. I think she used the word "cut" strategically to show that you can judge her through your eyes and try to cut off her humanity, but she still won't comply. Words, like cuts, often form scars, but it is defiant human nature to give up. Even if these scars last, they do not affect his quest for life. Angelou paints a picture of people judging her, and she feels like they see right through her. In stanza 4, she goes on to say, “Did you want to see me broken?/ Head bowed and eyes cast down?/ Shoulders falling like tears/ Weakened by my soulful cries.” Tears flow when we cry, and she references this to show how hatred and prejudice evoke powerful emotions in her. She describes that even though people want her to fail, she will resist all of their hatred. She also implies that a part of her was broken and that people wanted to tear her down from a young age. This speaks to the sense of pride she feels in not letting outside noise dictate her feelings. Another quote I would like to highlight is: “Leaving behind me nights of terror and fear/I rise/Into a wonderfully clear dawn/I rise.” The use of repetition here and throughout the poem is very interesting to me. She continues to paint this picture of fear and distress but implores the audience that despite these various trials, she emerged victorious. “Nights of Terror and Fear” implies that at one point she went through many mental battles, but she chose to get back up. Throughout the poem we get the sense of its overall provocative tone and this is made clear through the use of rhetorical questions. . In stanza 2, she begins with “is my impertinence youbother? ”, followed by “does my arrogance offend you?” in stanza 5 (Angelou). This juxtaposition adds real effect to the overall intention of the poem, suggesting that Angelou wants to see herself as the oppressor. In a way, this makes us readers see how ridiculous such accusations can seem, and it opens up a discussion about individuality. Her self-confidence can be misinterpreted as arrogance, but it is actually the case with her oppressors who share this arrogant mindset. In “Caged Bird,” Angelou challenges the idea of ​​bottling up emotions and living in a metaphorical cage of society by depicting the exuberance of a happy bird escaping from a locked-in mentality. In the first stanza, Angelou describes the “free” bird who “jumps…and dares to conquer the sky.” This act of faith is a representation of those who overcome challenges. Reality is directly challenged in the next stanza by the “caged” bird whose “wings are clipped and/its legs are tied.” Angelou's characterization of the free bird and the caged bird is a broader metaphor for herself. She feels like society creates these barriers and conditions people to feel certain feelings. When it comes to oppression, her moment of revelation is her visible success and transparency in speaking out about these issues. Angelou challenges society's notions and uses her life experiences to empower black men and women around the world. In her biographical article, Marcia Ann Gillespie takes a deep dive into Maya Angelou's life, referencing her early childhood and professional achievements. She analyzed the importance of her work and how she resonated with it. Gillespie describes in detail Angelou's first memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, providing context about her childhood and the difficulties she faced following her rape as a child. The trauma she endures allows readers to understand why her work is so provocative and emotionally powerful. Angelou describes her life in such precise detail in her literature and is so frank so that people can experience teachable moments. From the author's perspective, Angelou is a very competent and charismatic character, especially in the moments where they meet. Despite a real relationship with Angelou, the author claims that "anyone who reads her memoir and her poetry, who hears her speak in an auditorium or on a television show, also knows who she is." Basically, if you've read her work, you explore aspects of her life like a puzzle and try to connect with her. The author revealed various things that Angelou enjoyed, from wit to sensuality. The Spirit is what she turned to in times of distress to empower and fill her. From a religious perspective, Angelou believed she was a gift from God. Through this spirituality, Gillespie remembers feeling like grace was coming into her life. Spirituality and sensuality are linked on a deeper level. Sensuality is essentially the idea of ​​being present in the moment. This is what makes humans human. Everyone has different quirks that make them who they are. Sensuality also flourishes when you sit, tell stories, and interact with other people. In “Still I Rise,” for example, Angelou establishes herself as a broken but powerful person. Through the lens of white America and civil rights rhetoric, black people like her struggled. Despite these difficulties and experiences, Angelou was comfortable in her skin and made it clear that oppression would not be her downfall..